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NPR's Jon Hamilton looks at the scientific, legal and political history of RU486 in America.

Republicans now have a slim majority of just six votes in the House of Representatives -- and all 435 seats are on the ballot in November. Democrats are hoping to become the majority if they can sweep the close races on the West Coast. One of the most closely watched of these contests is in California's fabled Silicon Valley, ground zero for the micro-chip and personal computer revolution. NPR's Richard Gonzales reports.

Noah talks to Cathie Carr, Chief Executive Officer of the Escapee RV Club about a fight by RV owners for their right to vote in Polk County, Texas. The RV owners residency is being challenged by Polk County Democrats, on grounds that members of the RV club are constantly traveling, and therefore can not lay claim to a "domicile" in Texas. Carr is furious about the challenge.

The Olympics bring out the most devoted collectors: scavengers who scoop up spent shotgun shells, lapel pin traders, and high rollers who shell out 100-thousand-dollars for a gold medal winner's swim trunks. At Sydney Olympic Park, just about anything with five rings or a connection to an Olympic athlete seems to be selling. NPR's Eric Weiner reports.

Jean Bethke Elshtain teaches social and political ethics at the University of Chicago. She greets today's decision on RU486 with caution. She worries that the fundamental questions about life and birth and relationships -- the questions that often most divide our society -- are being avoided. She suggests society's search for technological solutions to issues, like a pill to end a pregnancy, helps us avoid dealing with the underlying problems, such as the number of unwanted pregnancies.

Noah and Robert read letters from All Things Considered listeners. This week's topics include the history of the screw (and screwdriver), visions of the Virgin Mary, and the squeezing of baked goods in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. (3:30) You can send e-mail to atc@npr.org or via the post office: Letters, All Things Considered, National Public Radio, 635 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001.

A new study by an advocacy group says putting more people in prison doesn't necessarily result in dropping crime rates. But as NPR's Tovia Smith reports, the study has drawn lots of spirited criticism and debate.

NPR's Anthony Brooks reports that both Vice President Al Gore and George W. Bush are pushing their plan on adding a prescription drug benefit to Medicare in an effort to attract elderly voters.

Host Bob Edwards talks to Christine Brennan, columnist for USA Today, about the U.S versus Norway women's soccer match. Today, Norway beat the United States 3-to-2 to win the gold medal at the Summer Olympics.

NPR's Michael Sullivan reports from Jakarta on the latest developments in the case against former Indonesian President Suharto. Today an Indonesian court ruled that the ex-dictator is unfit to stand trial, after an independent medical team found him too sick to face charges he embezzled millions in public funds. The decision has sparked angry protests in Jakarta.